Centre Issues Heatwave Advisory to Safeguard Workers Across India

As temperatures continue to rise across India, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a nationwide advisory directing all states and Union Territories to take urgent steps to protect workers from extreme heat exposure. The move comes amid increasing concerns over heatwaves impacting outdoor and labour-intensive sectors such as construction, brick kilns and daily wage work.

In its recent communication to Chief Secretaries and administrative heads, the ministry has stressed the need for a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach. The advisory highlights that worker safety must be prioritised through practical and immediate interventions at worksites, especially in regions witnessing temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius.

Key measures outlined include rescheduling working hours to avoid peak heat periods, ensuring uninterrupted access to clean drinking water, and creating shaded rest zones equipped with cooling arrangements. These steps aim to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke among workers.

Employers have also been instructed to maintain emergency supplies including ice packs and first-aid support. Coordination with local health departments has been recommended to facilitate regular health check-ups and quick medical response in case of emergencies. The advisory further calls for flexibility in work practices, including reducing workload intensity during extreme heat and deploying additional manpower where necessary.

To strengthen awareness, the Directorate General of Training and the National Board for Workers’ Education will conduct programmes focused on heatwave management. These initiatives are expected to equip both employers and workers with essential knowledge on handling heat stress effectively.

Healthcare facilities under ESIC and labour welfare departments have been directed to establish dedicated heatstroke help desks and ensure adequate availability of essential supplies. The advisory reflects a growing emphasis on worker welfare as climate conditions become increasingly challenging.